Ready to Serve Again: How Employers Can Help Veterans with Disabilities

SourceAmerica: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SourceAmerica.

John Rose: My name is John Rose, and I serve as Senior Advisor for Veteran Policy and Strategic Partnerships at SourceAmerica. In this role, I work across our network to strengthen opportunities for Veterans and transitioning Service Members with disabilities. I also help lead SourceAmerica's congressional engagement on veteran-related policy—working with Members of Congress and their staff to expand employment pathways, improve legislation tied to the AbilityOne® Program, and ensure the voices of Veterans with disabilities are represented on Capitol Hill.

SourceAmerica: What do you wish more people knew about the challenges Veterans and Transitioning Service Members with disabilities face when entering the civilian workforce?

John Rose: I wish more people understood that the transition isn't just about finding a job—it's about finding purpose again. Veterans leave behind a strong sense of mission and teamwork, and it can be difficult to find that same meaning in civilian life. For those with visible or invisible disabilities, that adjustment can be even harder because not every workplace understands how to support those needs.

SourceAmerica: What skills do Veterans and Transitioning Service Members bring to the workforce?

John Rose: Veterans bring discipline, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. They know how to perform under pressure and adapt to change quickly. These are traits that strengthen any organization, especially when employers recognize how to translate military experience into civilian job skills.

SourceAmerica: Are there any myths you'd like to clear up about the skills of Veterans and Transitioning Service Members?

John Rose: A common myth is that Veterans with disabilities can't perform certain types of work. In reality, most have already adapted to challenges and found new ways to succeed. Veterans are used to finding solutions, working as a team, and overcoming adversity—those experiences make them extremely valuable employees.

SourceAmerica: Tell us about some of the resources available through SourceAmerica that would help support a Veteran with disabilities as they explore career options.

John Rose: Through the AbilityOne® Program and SourceAmerica's network of nonprofit agencies, we help connect Veterans with disabilities to meaningful employment. We also provide training, technical support, and advocacy to ensure workplaces are inclusive and accessible. Beyond job placement, SourceAmerica focuses on long-term success—helping Veterans not just find work, but to also thrive in it.

SourceAmerica: How can other employers help support Veterans and Transitioning Service Members with disabilities as they begin weighing their career options?

John Rose: Employers can start by learning how to translate military skills into civilian roles and creating workplaces that value accessibility from the start. Partnering with organizations like SourceAmerica or local veteran nonprofits can also help. Most importantly, take the time to listen—understanding what a Veteran brings to the table goes a long way in building mutual respect and success.